Most cars made within the past 20 years have power steering, which uses hydraulic fluid to assist in turning the steering wheel. If your car is starting to feel like it’s harder to turn, you might need to add more power steering fluid. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that!
Park your car in a safe, level area
Assuming you have a power steering fluid reservoir under your hood, follow these steps to add fluid:
1. Remove the cap from the reservoir.
2. If the fluid is low, top it off with the appropriate type of power steering fluid.
3. Replace the cap and start the engine.
4. With the engine running, turn the steering wheel back and forth from one extreme to the other several times.
5. Check the level of fluid in the reservoir again and add more if necessary.
Locate the power steering fluid reservoir
The power steering fluid reservoir is typically located near the engine bay, and is usually clearly labeled. Once you’ve found it, unscrew the cap and check the fluid level. If it’s low, carefully add more power steering fluid until it reaches the “full” line on the side of the reservoir. Be careful not to overfill it, as this can cause damage to your power steering system.
Unscrew the cap and check the fluid level
If your power steering fluid is low, you’ll need to add some. Unscrew the cap and check the fluid level. If it’s below the minimum mark, add power steering fluid until it reaches the correct level.
If the fluid is low, add more power steering fluid until it reaches the
“MAX” mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
Replace the cap and screw it back on tightly
Assuming you have a power steering fluid leak, you’ll need to add more fluid. But before you do, it’s important to check for the source of the leak. Once you’ve found and repaired the leak, you can then add power steering fluid. Here’s how:
1. Park your car in a safe place and turn off the engine.
2. Locate the power steering reservoir. It’s usually located near the radiator, on the driver’s side of the engine compartment.
3. Remove the cap from the reservoir and clean any dirt or debris from around the opening.
4. Using a funnel, slowly pour power steering fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the “full” line on the dipstick (located inside the reservoir). Replace the cap and screw it back on tightly.
5. Start your car and turn the steering wheel from left to right several times to bleed air from the system and help new fluid circulate. Check under your car for leaks before driving away.
Start your car and turn the steering wheel from side to side to check that the power steering is working properly
If your power steering is not working properly, you may need to add power steering fluid. Here’s how to do it:
1. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir. It is usually located near the radiator or fender well.
2. Check the level of fluid in the reservoir. If it is low, add power steering fluid until it reaches the “full” line on the reservoir.
3. Replace the cap on the reservoir and screw it on tightly.
4. Start your car and turn the steering wheel from side to side to check that the power steering is working properly.